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“Rehabilitation technicians play a vital role in physical therapy offices, performing tasks that range from front desk duties and clinic maintenance to assisting patients with exercises.”
– W. Zach Smith, DPT, Co-founder of HIDEF Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation technician programs are vital to healthcare, aiding recovery from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) and rehabilitation technicians are vital in allied healthcare, working in clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. While both contribute to patient care and facility operations, their responsibilities, education, and scope differ.
Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) are licensed professionals who treat patients directly under a physical therapist’s guidance. They design and implement personalized treatment plans, focusing on exercises, mobility, and functional activities to improve physical function. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), PTAs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. must hold state-level certification.
Rehabilitation technicians, by contrast, provide essential support, such as maintaining equipment, preparing treatment areas, and assisting patients with administrative tasks. Most jobs require less formal training and certification than PTAs, although some optional certifications are available through organizations such as the American Education Certification Association (AECA).
The increasing demand for rehabilitation services highlights the importance of both PTAs and rehabilitation technicians in ensuring efficient, effective, and patient-focused care. Understanding their roles contributes to appreciating their unique contributions to rehabilitation healthcare careers. This guide includes information for pursuing a career as a rehabilitation technician. However, given the overlap in professional responsibilities, these two professions may be used interchangeably throughout this article.
The growing demand for rehabilitation services underscores the critical roles of PTAs and rehabilitation technicians in patient care. Together, they support the overall healthcare infrastructure by ensuring that rehabilitation programs are efficient, effective, and focused on delivering optimal patient outcomes.
With a high school diploma or postsecondary education, rehabilitation technicians can enter the workforce in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, offering crucial support to patients throughout their recovery journeys. Read on to learn more about rehabilitation technician programs, career growth, salary, and certification options.
Meet the Expert: W. Zach Smith, DPT
Dr. W. Zach Smith is a doctor of physical therapy and co-founder of HIDEF Physical Therapy. Known for his expertise in evidence-based care and innovative rehabilitation strategies, he leads efforts to enhance patient outcomes and advance physical therapy practice.
Dr. Smith’s commitment to personalized treatment and clinical excellence ensures HIDEF remains at the forefront of patient-centered care. He holds a doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about rehabilitation technicians?
Dr. Smith: Rehabilitation technicians play a vital role in physical therapy offices, performing tasks that range from front desk duties and clinic maintenance to assisting patients with exercises. We consider the exercise tech role one of the most crucial in our clinic, as they help keep sessions running smoothly, ensure patients are prepared, and support physical therapists in staying on schedule.
Just like medical assistants help keep doctors on track, rehab techs are the driving force behind the efficiency of our clinics. For anyone considering a career in physical therapy, spending at least a year as a rehab tech is the best way to truly understand the profession and gain invaluable experience.
Beyond physical therapy, we encourage our techs to shadow professionals across various medical fields, from surgeons to physician assistants, to broaden their understanding of healthcare.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring rehabilitation technician students?
Dr. Smith: You don’t need a specific degree for this role, which is why our techs have a wide range of responsibilities and education. However, if you’re looking for more hands-on work, a bachelor’s in exercise science, exercise physiology, or a pre-physical therapy program can be a strong foundation for getting into physical therapy school.
At our company, we view this as a stepping stone position for those pursuing careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other medical professions. Many of our techs go on to become physician assistants, doctors, firefighters, and EMTs, using this role to gain essential hands-on experience. For aspiring physician assistants, who need two years of direct patient care, this position is especially valuable in fulfilling those requirements.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) doesn’t track data for rehabilitation technicians. Here are the statistics for physical therapist assistants and aides—the latest data available as of April 2025:
| Rehabilitation Technician fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Projected Jobs Created | 28,800 |
| Projected Job Growth | 19% |
| Average Salary | $60,070 |
| Low Salary | $31,410 |
| High Salary | $83,090 |
| Entry-Level EDU | High school diploma or postsecondary certificate |
Rehabilitation Technician Degree & Certification Programs
The Therapeutic Rehabilitation Technician Certificate of Completion at the College of the Canyons is designed to equip students with the essential skills and competencies to work in diverse therapeutic rehabilitation settings such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic.
Through this program, students will learn crucial techniques for patient care under credentialed supervision, acquire CPR and first aid certification, and gain valuable clinical experience sought by rehabilitation clinics. Courses such as NC.KPET 120 Emergency Procedures provide foundational knowledge in emergency first aid, qualifying students for American Red Cross certifications, while NC.KPET 212 Sports Medicine Clinical Experience offers hands-on sports injury assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation instruction.
- Location: Santa Clarita, CA
- Duration: 170 hours
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
College of Health Care Professions
The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) offers a Rehabilitation Therapy Technician Certificate Program designed to prepare students for a career in rehabilitation. The program combines classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and a real-world externship to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to assist rehabilitation professionals.
Students develop a foundation in areas like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology while also gaining practical experience in therapeutic techniques and patient communication. The program emphasizes professional conduct and equips graduates to work effectively in healthcare.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Duration: Ten months
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Designed for those seeking entry-level positions in rehabilitation, Clovis Community College’s Certificate of Achievement for rehabilitation aides prepares students to work directly under medical professionals. The program equips participants with the clinical and office skills needed to thrive in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.
The curriculum covers foundational knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, alongside practical training in basic rehabilitation procedures and essential office tasks. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to pursue employment as rehabilitation aides, supporting physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals in assisting patients with improving their motor skills and maximizing their independence in daily living.
- Location: Campuses in Fresno and Clovis, CA
- Duration: Approximately six months
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The South Texas Training Center’s Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide – Rehab Technician program equips individuals to become valuable members of rehabilitation teams in diverse healthcare settings. This comprehensive program combines the core skills of a nurse aide and home health aide with specialized rehabilitation training. Students gain proficiency in essential patient care tasks like daily living activities, infection control, and providing emotional support. The program further delves into rehabilitation concepts, preparing graduates to assist physical and occupational therapists with therapeutic exercises, ambulation training, and proper equipment utilization.
By the program’s end, graduates are prepared to take the state competency exam for nursing assistants and the Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC) through the AMCA.
- Location: Campuses in Laredo, Pharr, and San Benito, TX
- Duration: Ten weeks
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Hybrid & Online Rehabilitation Technician Programs
Americation Career & Training School
The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician program offered by Americation Career and Training School prepares individuals for a career assisting physical therapists in various healthcare settings. The program can be completed on campus or online, equipping students with the skills to perform tasks such as treatment area set-up, moving patients, and completing clerical duties. This allows rehabilitation therapists to focus on delivering therapeutic interventions to improve patients’ range of motion, strength, and independence. After completing the program, graduates will receive a certification of completion and may be eligible for Rehabilitation Therapy Technician Certification.
- Location: Newark, NJ
- Duration: Two months
- Accreditation: approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education and Labor & Workforce Development
Courses in Rehabilitation Technician Programs
Rehabilitation technician programs are comprised of educational courses to provide a well-rounded curriculum to prepare graduates to work with various patient populations.
Standard core courses often include foundational subjects such as:
- Human anatomy & physiology
- Medical terminology
- Basic patient care principles
These courses lay the groundwork for understanding the human body, common physical disorders, and effective communication with healthcare professionals and patients.
Rehabilitation Technician Program Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary process that signifies an educational or training program meets or exceeds established quality standards. Accredited programs are typically evaluated by independent accrediting agencies that assess various aspects of the program, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, and student outcomes. This ensures that graduates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to assist physical therapists effectively.
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation is a process by which an entire institution, such as a college or university, is evaluated for its overall quality and effectiveness. Regional or national accrediting agencies typically conduct this type of accreditation. To ensure that these agencies maintain high standards, they are often recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a non-governmental organization that reviews and recognizes accrediting agencies in the United States.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) offers accreditation for some rehabilitation technician and physical therapy aide certificate programs, which provide foundational knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions in rehabilitation support.
Salary & Career Outlook for Rehabilitation Technicians
The career outlook for rehabilitation technicians is promising. The demand for healthcare support roles is expected to grow.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), employment for physical therapy assistants and aides—the most closely related profession to rehabilitation techs—is also expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations at 19 percent, adding 28,800 new positions between 2023 and 2033.
The BLS (May 2024) shows the average annual wage for physical therapist assistants and aides was $60,070—the latest data available as of April 2025. Salary percentiles vary based on education and experience:
- 10th percentile: $31,410
- 25th percentile: $41,430
- 50th percentile: $61,730
- 75th percentile: $75,130
- 90th percentile: $83,090
Licensing & Certification for Rehabilitation Technicians
Rehabilitation technicians usually receive on-the-job training and may hold a high school diploma or a postsecondary certificate. However, employers may prefer candidates with professional certifications, such as the Certified Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (CRTT) credential offered by the American Education Certification Association (AECA).
The AECA offers three eligibility pathways for the CRTT exam: training, work experience, and military service. Applicants must meet at least one of the eligibility requirements:
- Group A: Education: A candidate must have completed a training or educational program in the area of certification within or outside the United States.
- Group B: Experience: A candidate must demonstrate through an eligibility verification form completed by an employer that they have experience in the area of certification sought.
- Group C: Military: Similar to Group B, a candidate must demonstrate completed military educational training or be able to provide documented experience in their area of certification.
The Certified Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (CRTT) content covers topic areas such as:
- Anatomy & physiology
- Medical terminology
- Legal issues
- Infection control
- Patient care
- Therapeutic modalities
- Administrative & clerical skills
Credential holders must complete several continuing education credits every two years to renew their CRTT certification.
